reality check.

I really like parts of yesterday's reflection in the Magnificat, and thought I'd pass them along!  

   When one thus possesses God he stands in need of little else; any little provision of this world's comfort suffices him; nor is he disturbed by contradictions in his labors, or opposition from the men around him. If God be felt within the soul, it makes more progress in virtue under external difficulties than when all if favorable. But, of course, nature feels this unpleasantly, and one stands his ground only with an effort; especially does he need constant recollection of the spirit in God. 


    The best state of things for us is not prosperity; then everything goes on of itself, and very smoothly. How can one tell if he be in reality a true minister of Christ if he suffers no adversity for him? But you may ask: suppose a man fails in fidelity under stress of adversity? Let him rise up again quickly, acknowledge his misery and nothingness before God, and renew his spirit of recollection - all this the sooner the better. But do not dwell too long on your faults, discussing sadly how this happened or how that; such a practice is indiscreet…. Lay your cares upon God, and he will arrange everything for the best. For your part, trust him implicitly and in everything that concerns you; that done, accept all the happenings of your life in peace of mind, and make the best of them.


    But if a man will not trust God nor abandon himself to him, if he insists on striving and straining and worrying, God often permits him to fall into deep misery and want. This is to show him how far he can go under self-guidance. But if a man sincerely turns all care over to God, then does God better manage his affairs than could all creatures together.


-Father John Tauler, O.P.

    I really like this reflection because it's a good reminder that life won't feel perfect or put together or always happy especially if we're trying to grow as Christians. It's what we do with the adversity, the hardships, the frustrations, that marks our lives as holy or not, rather than how easy and smooth our life in Christ seems to be, as is easy to wrongly believe. The attitude this priest suggests almost sounds stoic, but it's really a deep trust and inner peace… one that I hope to some day fully conquer! Until then, let's all give it another try….